Football Terms Flashcards
A runner in the backfield who carries the ball based on speed and agility. Can be used as a receiver out of the backfield
Halfback
The leader of the offensive team. He takes the snap from the center and directs the offense passing and running attack
Quarterback
A large power runner in the backfield who carries the ball in short yardage situations, sometimes used as a blocker
Fullback
A backfield position who is used as both a receiver and runner
Flanker
The offensive lineman who starts the offensive play by hiking the ball both under center and in the shotgun formation, usually to the quarterback, the punter, or the holder of the place kicker
Center
An eligible receiver at the end of the line of scrimmage who is set up out to the side, usually the primary target for the quarterback
Wide reciever
An eligible receiver at the outside of the line of scrimmage who has stands along with the other lineman with a dual responsibility of blocking and going out for a pass. Usually a big target for the quarterback to pass to
Tight end
An offensive lineman who is just to the left and right of the center who has the responsibility of blocking to open a hole for the running backs and to pass block for the quarterback. Not eligible to catch a pass
Guard
An offensive lineman who is just to the left and right of the guards who has the responsibility of blocking to open a hole for the running backs and to pass block for the quarterback. Not eligible to catch a pass
Tackle
A defensive player who lines up across from the offensive center whose main objective is to stop the run up the middle
Nose guard
A defensive player who lines up inside the defensive end and whose primary job is to stop the run up the middle
Defensive tackle
A defensive player who plays off the line of scrimmage in an upright position who has the dual responsibility of stopping the run and covering receivers over the middle of the field
Middle linebacker
A defensive player who plays off the line who plays in an upright position who has the dual responsibility of stopping the run and covering receivers on the outside
Outside linebacker
A smaller and faster defensive player who plays off the line of scrimmage whose main responsibility is to cover the pass receivers of the offensive team
Occasionally they will blitz the quarterback
Cornerback
The last time of defense for the defensive team. They cover the deep treat of the passing team
Safety
The person who attempts to kick the ball off the ground through the uprights for either a extra point or 3 point field goal
Place kicker
Used usually in fourth down situations a player whose responsibility is to kick the ball to the receiving team in a change of possession so that they can win the battle of field position
Punter
An offensive strategy where the use of the pass is more important than the use of the run
West Coast Offense
Length and width of a football field
Including the end zone, 120 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide
The target for both field goals and extra points for the place kicker. Any kick within the uprights scores
Goal posts
On the offensive end of the field, measured 20 yards to the goal line.
Conversion in this area is an offensive statistic
Red zone
One of the most famous NFL coaches of all time. He coaches the Green Bay Packers in the 60s and 70s
Vince Lombardi
Given to the winner of the Super Bowl
The Lombardi trophy
The championship game for NFL football
Super Bowl
An offensive play that sets up as a pass play and after showing pass the quarterback either runs himself or hands off to a running back
The draw play
Anytime the offensive team crosses the goal line with the ball by run or pass. It counts as 6 points for the offensive team. They are also awarded an extra point, one point by kicking the ball through the uprights, two points by run or pass over the goal line
Touchdown
3 points awarded to the offensive team when the offensive team’s place kicker kicks it over the uprights. The longest in history is 63 yards
Field goal
When the ball is kicked into the end zone by a punt or kick off and the receiving team chooses not to run it out or the ball travels through the end zone, the ball is placed on the 20 yard line for the offensive team to start their possession
Touch back
A strategy used on the kickoff by the kicking team to intentionally kick the ball just beyond the 10 yard minimum as a surprise tactic in the hopes of grabbing it before the receiving team so that they gain possession of the ball
Onside kick